The past year and a half are arguably best left in the history books. We’ve all had to face sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges. Here at Stellenbosch University (SU), keeping to our core mandate has been our focus — making sure our students receive the world-class education that they’ve signed up for and keeping our institution sustainable through it all.
Without your generous support we would not have been so successful in navigating this period. I have recently written an article published in the Mail and Guardian that looks at the crucial role that vice-chancellors, as leaders of universities, play as their institutions’ chief fundraisers. Please allow me to highlight a few of the important points that I touch on in this article that could be of interest to you, our valued donor.
At Stellenbosch University, we have raised R1,7 billion in philanthropic funds since our Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers, started his term in 2015. Of this R1,7 billion, donations by trusts and foundations, individuals, and corporates account for more than three-quarters of all donations received. More than a third of this has been directed to bursaries and student support, while other funds towards teaching, infrastructure, research, and community service. We have built new research and teaching buildings on our campuses and increased the diversity of our academic staff through strategic funding.
Prof De Villiers has led our peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives by running and cycling in various races to raise funds for food insecurity on our campuses — our #Move4Food campaign. Stellenbosch University is truly fortunate to have a leader who is always willing to go the extra mile to raise funds for students in need. You can read my full article here.
Inadvertently, fundraising itself costs money, particularly the international activities. But, in the case of SU, a national Inyathelo benchmarking study, ASPIHE has shown that our fundraising expenditure is, at most, 11c on every Rand raised. And the Bureau of Economic Research recently found that our Rector has raised 50 times his fundraising direct costs. This Impact Report talks to these numbers.
Let me assure you that your hard-earned funds, given so generously to this institution, have always been and will continue to be used as you intended. Your generosity is indeed shaping a brighter tomorrow. And we cannot say thank you enough.
Any queries or questions? I am but a phone call or an e-mail away.
With gratitude
Karen Bruns
Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations
Stellenbosch University
